Venezuelan Waterfowl Conservation Project, 2006--ongoing

Mike and Brent Lubbock visited a number of areas in Venezuela along with staff of the Venezeulan Waterfowl Foundation on a review of current and future projects. More

Brazilian Merganser Conservation Project, 2000--ongoing

Mike Lubbock was invited to a workshop in Brazil to address the dire situation of the Brazilian Merganser, one of the rarest of all birds. The workshop was organized by Wolf Bartman, of the Dortmund Zoo in Germany, and included experts from around the world in the field of wild and captive waterfowl management. Project Notes

Venezuelan Waterfowl Conservation Project, 1999--ongoing

Working in cooperation with the Akron Zoo, the American Zoological Association and other partners, Mike Lubbock helped to form the Venezuelan Waterfowl Foundation. The Foundation focuses on the conservation of the Andean river systems and is dedicated to the conservation of waterfowl in Venezuela, including the illusive Torrent Duck and the Orinoco Goose. Mike visited Venezuela in 2000 and again in 2002 to monitor progress of the studies in the wild and hopes to return in the near future.

Falkland Islands Habitat Preservation, 1996      

In accord with Mike Lubbock's advice, a successful financial investment manager and private waterfowl breeder made the decision to purchase two pristine islands in the Falkland Islands chain in the South Atlantic. Grand and Steeple Jason Islands are the world's largest nesting grounds for the Black-browed Albatross. These islands are also home to many other rare birds such as Falkland Island Steamerducks, Magellanic Geese, Kelp Geese and three species of penguins. Also residing on the islands are elephant seals and sea lions.

Mike and Ali, along with Frank Todd, a noted ornithologist, went with him after the purchase to visit the islands and to assess the value of this tremendous ecological refuge.  Because of the highly significant marine and animal habitat existing on these islands, the owner eventually gifted them to the Wildlife Conservation Society for their protection into the future.

Central American Expedition, 1983

Collaborated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Ann La Bastille on an expedition to

Guatemala. The goal was to set up a captive breeding program for the last of the Atitlan Flightless Grebe.  Unfortunately, the species was already extinct as a distinct form due to hybridization with the

Pied-billed Grebe.

Puget Sound Expedition, 1982

Sent to Puget Sound by Sea World, Inc. to collect Harlequin Ducks and Buffleheads.

South American Expedition, 1981

Organized egg collection expedition to Chile with Bill Makins of of the Pensthorpe Wildfowl Trust. Successfully returned with Chilean Torrent Ducks, Kelp Geese, Magellanic Flightless Steamerducks

and Ashy-headed Geese.  

Australian Expedition, 1980

Organized an egg collection expedition and returned with Pink-eared Duck and Musk Duck eggs.  Resulted in first breeding of Pink-eared Duck.

Avicultural Advisor to Queen Elizabeth II, 1977-1982

Served Her Royal Highness in overseeing the bird collection at Buckingham Palace and Sandringham Estate.

Alaskan Expedition, 1976

Sent on second expedition to Alaska by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and returned with Spectacled Eider, Stellar's Eider, Emperor Geese, Whistling Swan, Trumpeter Swan, and Pacific Black Brant.

Arctic Expedition, 1975

Sent on a second Canadian Arctic expedition by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and returned with King Eider, Stellar's Eider, Oldsquaw (Long-tailed Duck), Whistling Swan, and Atlantic Brant.

South American Expedition, 1973

Led team from a consortium of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Philadelphia Zoo and Duck Puddle Farm to Argentina and Falkland Islands.  Successfully collected Kelp Geese, Ruddy-headed Geese, Magellan Geese and Falkland Island Steamer Ducks.

African Expedition, 1972

Part of expedition to Botswana sponsored by the National Zoo/Smithsonian Institute to collect stock for the first captive breeding of African Pygmy Goose and Maccoa.

Arctic Expedition, 1971

Led an egg collection expedition for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust to Canadian Arctic region resulting in successful rearing of King Eider, Black Brant, Ross' Geese, and Oldsquaw (Long-tailed Duck).

Alaskan Expedition, 1970

Working with the National Zoo/Smithsonian Institute, conducted an egg collection expedition to Alaska.

Collaboration with Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, 1966

Part of a three-man team to Iceland, to collect Harlequin Ducks and Oldsquaw (Long-tailed Ducks).

Collaboration with Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Scientific Team, 1964-1966

In Scotland, the team captured Western Greylag and Pink-footed Geese by rocket net in order to fit the birds with identification bands to allow for the collection of important census data.

Click here to read about Sylvan Heights' important breeding and research projects.